ARCTIC P12 Pro PST - Powerful Premium Fan, 120 mm PWM Fan with Y-Cable Splitter, 600-3000 RPM, 0 RPM <5% PWM, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 4-Pin - Black vs Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler ITX,with 92mm TL-9015R Slim PWM Fan ITX CPU Cooler,AGHP Technology,53mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851(AXP90 X53 Full)
Updated June 2026 — ARCTIC P12 Pro PST - Powerful Premium Fan, 120 mm PWM Fan with Y-Cable Splitter, 600-3000 RPM, 0 RPM <5% PWM, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 4-Pin - Black wins on price and noise level, Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler ITX,with 92mm TL-9015R Slim PWM Fan ITX CPU Cooler,AGHP Technology,53mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851(AXP90 X53 Full) wins on cooling performance (cpu) and form factor suitability.
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is significantly more affordable and ideal for high static pressure case or radiator cooling, while the Thermalright AXP90-X53 offers superior integrated CPU cooling performance in compact ITX builds despite its higher price.
Why ARCTIC P12 Pro PST - Powerful Premium Fan, 120 mm PWM Fan with Y-Cable Splitter, 600-3000 RPM, 0 RPM <5% PWM, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 4-Pin - Black is better
Price
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is priced at $9.49, which is 73% cheaper than the Thermalright AXP90-X53's $35.90, representing a cost difference of $26.41.
Fan Speed Range
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST supports a wider PWM speed range from 600 to 3000 RPM with complete stop at less than 5% PWM, offering finer control compared to the Thermalright AXP90-X53’s 2700 RPM±10% maximum.
Use Case Flexibility
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is a universal 120mm PWM fan compatible with any motherboard and case that supports 120mm fans, making it suitable for a broader range of systems without socket-specific constraints.
Why Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler ITX,with 92mm TL-9015R Slim PWM Fan ITX CPU Cooler,AGHP Technology,53mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851(AXP90 X53 Full) is better
Cooling Performance (CPU)
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 features a full copper heatsink with dual soldered heat pipes and AGHP technology, providing superior thermal transfer efficiency and better CPU cooling performance than the ARCTIC fan, which is not a CPU cooler.
Build Quality & Materials
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 uses pure copper for its radiator and Seiko micro-carved copper bottom with anti-oxidation treatment, enhancing durability and heat dissipation stability, whereas the ARCTIC fan relies on precision manufacturing but lacks comparable material density.
Form Factor & Compatibility
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 has a 53mm height, making it ideal for ITX and HTPC builds where space is limited and memory clearance is a concern, while the ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is designed for standard case mounting and does not address low-profile system needs.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ARCTIC P12 Pro PST - Powerful Premium Fan, 120 mm PWM Fan with Y-Cable Splitter, 600-3000 RPM, 0 RPM <5% PWM, Fluid Dynamic Bearing, 4-Pin - Black | Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler ITX,with 92mm TL-9015R Slim PWM Fan ITX CPU Cooler,AGHP Technology,53mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1700/1150/1151/1200/1851(AXP90 X53 Full) |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Size | 120 mm | 92 mm |
| RPM Range | 600–3000 RPM | 2700 RPM ±10% |
| Static Pressure | High (optimized for dense radiators/mesh) | 1.33 mmH2O (MAX) |
| Bearing Type | Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) | Standard Fan Bearing (implied) |
| Material Construction | Precision-machined plastic/Aluminum with FDB | Pure Copper Heatsink + Soldered Heat Pipes |
| Height | N/A (fan only) | 53 mm |
| Socket Compatibility | Universal 120mm mount (no socket-specific) | Intel LGA1700/1150/1151/1200/1851, AMD AM4/AM5 |
| Included Fan | Y-Cable Splitter (for dual fan use) | TL-9015R Slim PWM Fan |
Dimension comparison
Price Comparison
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is about 73% cheaper than the Thermalright AXP90-X53, priced at $9.49 compared to $35.90. This represents a direct cost difference of $26.41, making the ARCTIC fan significantly more budget-friendly for users seeking a single cooling component without investing in a full CPU cooler solution.
Cooling Performance and Design
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 features a full copper heatsink with AGHP technology and dual soldered heat pipes, designed to enhance thermal transfer efficiency. Its 53mm height allows compatibility with compact ITX builds and small motherboards, while the included 92mm TL-9015R PWM fan delivers up to 42.58CFM of airflow and 1.33mmH2O of static pressure. In contrast, the ARCTIC P12 Pro PST focuses on high static pressure performance through its fluid dynamic bearing and optimized blade design, enabling effective airflow even through dense radiators or mesh panels—ideal for radiator-based cooling setups.
Fan Technology and Noise Levels
The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST uses a Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) and supports PWM control across a wide speed range from 600 to 3000 RPM, with the ability to stop completely at less than 5% PWM input. This ensures quiet operation at low loads and efficient cooling during peak demand. The Thermalright AXP90-X53’s 92mm TL-9015R fan operates at up to 2700 RPM±10% and produces noise levels as low as 22.4 dB(A), offering ultra-quiet performance under load. Both fans are designed for low-noise operation, but the ARCTIC model provides finer control via PWM due to its broader RPM range.
Build Quality and Material Construction
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 uses pure copper for its radiator and incorporates Seiko micro-carved copper bottom with anti-oxidation treatment, enhancing durability and heat dissipation stability. Its 4x6mm heat pipes utilize fourth-generation AGHP technology to counteract inverse gravity effects in various orientations. The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST relies on precision manufacturing, automatic balancing, and minimal gaps in its rotor blades to reduce vibrations and ensure long-term reliability. While both use high-quality materials, the Thermalright model emphasizes structural integrity with copper-heavy construction, whereas the ARCTIC fan prioritizes smoothness and balance in its mechanical design.
Compatibility and Installation
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 supports a broad range of CPU sockets including Intel LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1200, 1851 and AMD AM4/AM5, with dedicated mounting hardware for each platform. Its 53mm height avoids memory clearance issues in tight cases, and installation includes detailed instructions or video support. The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST is a standard 120mm fan with a 4-pin PWM connector, compatible with most motherboards that support PWM fan control. It does not require specific socket adapters and can be used in any case with a 120mm fan mount, making it universally applicable across different systems.
Use Case Suitability
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is specifically engineered for ITX and HTPC builds where space is limited and low profile is essential. Its 53mm height and compact dimensions (94.5×95×53mm) make it ideal for small form factor systems without memory interference. The ARCTIC P12 Pro PST, while not a CPU cooler itself, excels as a supplemental or primary case fan in systems requiring high static pressure, especially when paired with radiators or narrow intake paths. It serves best in mid-tower or full-tower cases where airflow optimization is critical.
Which should you buy?
Choose the ARCTIC P12 Pro PST if you need a high-performance, quiet, and affordable 120mm PWM fan for case or radiator cooling—especially if you're building or upgrading a system where airflow resistance is a concern and budget matters. It's nearly 73% cheaper than the Thermalright AXP90-X53 at $9.49. Opt for the Thermalright AXP90-X53 only if you’re building an ITX or HTPC system requiring a low-profile, fully integrated CPU cooler with pure copper construction, broad socket compatibility, and a 53mm height that avoids memory conflicts—despite its higher price of $35.90.